AI Factory in a State of Hallucination Real and Speculative Stories of an Algorithmically Generated Future
Abstract
Data centers, which enable interaction and information storage, are highly material infrastructures that consume vast amounts of energy and water to remain operational. Their impact extends beyond their immediate surroundings, affecting both the broader environment and local communities. The concept of “thirst” takes on a deeper meaning in this context: data centers are thirsty and, in turn, create thirst, as they require enormous quantities of water for cooling—particularly in regions with high temperatures. With the rise of large-scale machine learning models, these centers are evolving into AI factories—more powerful, larger, and increasingly resource-intensive. These infrastructures, with exponentially growing capacities and escalating energy demands, are driving water consumption to new heights. As AI continues to advance, bringing both opportunities and challenges, the issue of water management is becoming ever more urgent within the broader climate crisis. Can a global water policy be designed to ensure the restoration and protection of aquatic ecosystems while also accounting for the increasing demands of these water-hungry AI infrastructures?
Article Details
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Goni, K. (2025). AI Factory in a State of Hallucination: Real and Speculative Stories of an Algorithmically Generated Future. Αutomaton: Journal of Digital Media and Culture, 3(2), 46–54. Retrieved from https://ejournals.epublishing.ekt.gr/index.php/automaton/article/view/42669
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